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2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Great acceleration
  • Stylish interior
  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Lackluster range
  • Infotainment screen can be glitchy
  • Small cargo area

Battery range (EPA estimate)

208 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a stylish electric SUV

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric version of the gasoline-powered XC40, which is Volvo's smallest SUV. It is also Volvo's first EV and, at a glance, there aren't many differences between the Recharge and the gas-powered model. This makes the XC40 Recharge a good choice for those who want to go electric and not be super obvious about it. The XC40 Recharge competes in a crowded field that includes the Audi e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla Model Y.

According to the EPA, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers 208 miles of range when fully charged. Later models would go on to have around 223 miles. While this range is on the low side, a 2021 model went 240 miles on a single charge in Edmunds' testing. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info. The XC40 Recharge makes up for its low range with impressively quick acceleration. Inside, the electric XC40 boasts a quiet and stylish interior. It also comes standard with an easy-to-use touchscreen and four USB ports, ensuring your phone remains charged and ready to go.

All Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric years

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric trims

Curious how Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

P8 R-Design:

  • Smart Key
  • Memory Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric

What We Like 

  • Speedy acceleration: The XC40 Recharge goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is quicker than the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. That means getting up to speed or passing on the highway is a piece of cake.  

  • Quiet and stylish interior: The electric version of the XC40 is a bit quieter than its gas counterpart. The well-insulated and good-looking interior delivers a mostly silent ride.  

  • Solid tech: The Google-based operating system that runs the infotainment touchscreen is prone to hiccups, but it's otherwise very easy to use. The vehicle has four USB plugs, making it easy to keep your phone charged. One thing to note is that this model year did not include Apple CarPlay® at launch and was added later via a software update. If the XC40 Recharge you're looking at is missing this feature, a Volvo dealership should be able to install the update.  

 What Needs Improvement 

  • Range and efficiency: The XC40 Recharge gets fewer miles on a single charge than some of its rivals, and its electric motors aren't very efficient. That means you'll pay more over time to charge the Volvo than some of its competitors. The 2022 and newer models get about 15 more miles of EPA-estimated range.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric features and specs

P8 R-Design 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

106.4"

Overall length

174.2"

Width

73.7"

Height

65"

Leg room

F 40.9"/R 36.1"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P235/50HR19

Rear tires

P255/45HR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

331/3307 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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